Please click on the questions below to view the answers.
What uniforms and equipment
do I need to buy and where do I get it all from?
Will I be given full training?
What roles are available?
What events do you do?
How do battles work and what
are they like?
Is it dangerous?
Can all genders join the Regiment?
What is the Regiment like and
will it suit me?
What uniforms and equipment do I need
to buy and where do I get it all from?
You are expected to purchase your own uniform and you will need at
least your basic unform to participate in events, plus advanced equipment
at a later point, plus a musket (Shotgun), shotgun license and black
powder license or deactivated musket.
You can obtain most of your kit through the Regiment, otherwise we
can supply you with details of where to get the kit elsewhere if you
prefer to go by this route.
Will I be given full training?
Yes absolutely! The whole Regiment undergoes training drills throughout
the winter months, where you are trained on drill, marching, loading
and firing, dress, military etiquette, everything you will need to
know to fight on the battlefield. New Privates get one on one tuitition
from an experienced chosen man. Most importantly if you are using
a live firing musket, we will make sure you are profficient in using
your musket correctly.
What roles are available?
Most men join as a Private, however there are Officer (Ensign) positions
available. If you have musical skills such as you play the drums or
could play a fife, then we always welcome new drummers.
You could also join as a camp follower or dandy. Women take on the
roles of ladies, or camp followers and wenches.
What events do you do?
An event might be a small skirmish, large battalion formed battle,
a public drill display, concert, TV work...the list is really endless.
We do a whole range of different events throughout the year. In 2003
we were involved in the filming of Vanity Fair!.
How do battles work and what are they
like?
We employ military techniques and strategies of the period, which means
we usually form up in tight lines, shoulder to shoulder. Usually we
combine with other regiments to form a stronger force. In actual battle
we fire volleys at the French troops under command and advance or
retreat at the whim of our commanding officers. We may be required
to do some light skirmishing, we may be charged by a formation of
cavalry, which means forming a defensive square, whereby the French
cannon make mincemeat out of us! You may on occasion be expected to
fall in battle, but don't worry we have a fully qualified surgeon
who is well briefed in the medical techniques of the day.
Is it dangerous?
Any hobby involving gun powder has an element of danger to it. However,
you will be fully trained and health and safety regulations are very
stringent.
Can all genders join the Regiment?
Yes - But only men can join as soldiers. Women may take on roles
such as ladies or camp followers. If you are female and would like
to join as a soldier, we recommend an alternative Regiment within
the Napoleonic Association.
What is the Regiment like and will it
suit me?
The Regiment is very welcoming and very helpful to new members. It
has a nice family atmosphere, where we have entire families as members
(Including little ones). After events we stay together, cook, chat
by the campfire as the sun goes down. Please feel free to talk to
our recuiting members if you have any questions, or come and see us
at drill or on the battlefield.